Have you ever wondered if former world leaders stick around after they’re gone? Believers in ghosts suggest that some American presidents certainly do! Across the nation, various spots are rumored to be haunted by our past presidents. From Abraham Lincoln in the White House to George Washington at Mount Vernon, join us as we explore ten spooky locations reportedly haunted by U.S. presidents.
Monticello
Thomas Jefferson, the third president and the architect behind his Virginia home, Monticello, spent his post-presidency years there and died on July 4, 1826. Some say he never truly left.
Visitors have reported hearing Jefferson’s distinctive whistling or seeing his serene figure near his writing desk, in the entrance hall, or beside his wife, Martha, in the dining room. Psychic Hans Holzer sensed Jefferson’s presence in his bedroom, dining room, and South Pavilion—areas where Jefferson spent much of his time.
Interestingly, ghosts of slaves, including his mistress Sally Hemings, have not been sighted, despite their graveyard being nearby.[1]
Hollywood Cemetery
Richmond, Virginia’s Hollywood Cemetery is reputedly haunted by Confederate soldiers, a phantom dog, and even a vampire.
Presidents James Monroe and John Tyler, along with Confederate President Jefferson Davis, are buried here. Monroe’s spirit, relocated from New York, reportedly lingered at his original crypt before appearing in Richmond. He’s often seen at his grave, contemplating, or standing tall in his gothic-style tomb, still nursing the shoulder where a Revolutionary War musket ball was lodged.[2]
U.S. Capitol
The U.S. Capitol is filled with spooky legends, including a crypt intended for George Washington, a demon cat heralding tragic events, and Civil War soldier phantoms.
Former President John Quincy Adams, who opposed the Mexican War, collapsed after thundering “No!” during a vote. People claim to hear his disembodied “No!” echoing through the halls.[3]
Hermitage
Located east of Nashville, Tennessee, Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage was built for his wife, Rachel. After her death in 1828, Jackson visited her tomb daily, smoking a cigar and talking to her. He was later buried beside her.
Reports include footsteps in the garden, cigar smoke near the tomb, a gate swinging open, and the presence of Jackson. Some have heard a horse running through the house and mysterious whispers. Was this Jackson reliving his military days?[4]
Lindenwald
Before Martin Van Buren named it Lindenwald, this Kinderhook, New York mansion hosted figures like Washington Irving. Irving drew inspiration from local legends, including the Headless Horseman.
Van Buren bought the property in 1839 and remodeled it after his presidency. He died here in 1862. Later, his son John lost the house in a gamble to Leonard Jerome, Winston Churchill’s grandfather.
Many ghosts haunt Lindenwald. Aaron Burr roams the orchard, accompanied by mysterious footsteps. Van Buren’s butler, who hanged himself there, and a murdered woman also haunt the orchard.
Van Buren’s ghost often appears in the dining room with John, seemingly enjoying meals with guests, sometimes loosening his corset.[5]
The Willard Hotel
Built in 1818 in Washington, D.C., the Willard Hotel hosted Charles Dickens, Mark Twain, and Harry Houdini. First Lady Jane Pierce, grieving her son’s death, stayed here, and her spirit is said to roam the corridors.
President Ulysses S. Grant frequented the Willard, drinking and smoking cigars in the lobby. He was often approached by favor-seekers, coining the term “lobbyists.”
Grant seems to have remained. He’s seen walking Peacock Alley, and guests sometimes smell cigar smoke, despite the hotel being smoke-free.[6]
The Menger Hotel
The historic Menger Hotel near the Alamo in San Antonio is known for paranormal activity. Its ghostly residents include a Lady in White, children, cowboys, and a playboy.
Theodore Roosevelt used the bar as a recruitment office for his Rough Riders during the Spanish-American War. He once rode his horse into the bar to inspire recruits.
Roosevelt’s ghost is seen sitting at the bar in his military uniform, drinking. A voice caught on an EVP says, “Get your horses,” recalling his famous stunt.[7]
Wilson House
Woodrow Wilson settled in this Georgian Revival house on Embassy Row in Washington, D.C., after his presidency in 1921, hoping to recover from a stroke. He died here in 1924.
The Wilson House is considered one of the capital’s most haunted houses. Wilson’s ghost walks the halls, and the sound of his cane is often heard. A transparent figure in a dress shirt, tie, and jacket is seen seated behind the desk, disfigured by a stroke.
A caretaker quit in 1969 due to the haunting. An employee reported hearing Wilson’s Steinway piano playing when no one was there.[8]
Driskill Hotel
Jesse Driskill, a cattle baron who profited from supplying the Confederate army, built this Romanesque Revival hotel in Austin, Texas, in 1886. Its haunted reputation makes it one of the most haunted hotels in America.
Jesse Driskill is a prominent ghost here. A guest once saw him standing in his room at 3 am, smoking a cigar. Other spirits include a jilted bride, a child who fell down the stairs, and a haunted painting.
President Lyndon Johnson, who courted Lady Bird at the hotel and hosted election parties there, is also seen. Guests might see his and his wife’s reflection in mirrors in the ballroom, suggesting he’s reluctant to leave.[9]
Nixon Library
The Nixon Library and Museum in Yorba Linda, California, showcases Richard Nixon’s life and legacy. Visitors can see his birthplace and grave, and perhaps encounter his ghost.
A night watchman reported seeing a ghostly figure pass through the locked door of the birthplace. A green mist hovers over Nixon’s grave. In the Watergate display, machines often break down, and tapping sounds are heard; reportedly, Nixon distracts people from the Watergate materials.
A medium revealed that Nixon’s spirit enjoys the exhibits of his early life memorabilia. He visits his birthplace nightly.[10]
From whispered echoes to spectral sightings, these locations offer a glimpse into the afterlife haunts of America’s presidents. Next time you visit one of these sites, keep an eye out—you might just encounter a presidential poltergeist!
Have you ever experienced a ghostly encounter at a historical site? Share your stories in the comments below!
